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Barrett counters critics after win

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Manly coach Trent Barrett has taken a shot at the criticism towards his side after the Sea Eagles secured their first Telstra Premiership Finals appearance since 2014 in a dominating fashion against Penrith on Saturday.

Manly's season was on the ropes after losing five of their last eight games, but their stirring golden point win against the Warriors in the penultimate round was the catalyst for a swing in momentum leading into September football.

Written off by most at the start of the year, Barrett declared the negative media headlines towards Manly's decline had proved the motivator in the final fortnight of the competition.

"Everyone was quick to jump on our form but we've never lost more than two games in a row," Barrett said after the win.

"Everyone was quick to call us an inconsistent side. Well there are 10 more inconsistent sides behind us and that's what irked me.

"It irked everyone and that's why it's so satisfying to finish the season where we have because we copped it in the year.

"But we're there now and have got a real opportunity to do something special as a team."